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Indian Ruling Parties Hold Slim Lead

Neither coalition emerges a majority

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted May 13, 2009 2:49 PM CDT
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(Newser) – India's ruling coalition has edged slightly ahead of the Hindu-nationalist opposition, but both alliances are short of a parliamentary majority, Reuters reports. Exit polls following today's conclusion of the month-long general election indicate both political blocs will need new partners, but the surveys have proved inaccurate in the past. Official results won't be ready until Saturday.

"We are looking at political uncertainty and horse-trading," said one expert. If the polls prove accurate, the incumbent coalition would yield seats to the opposition. The ruling coalition, led by the center-left Congress Party, has been in power for 5 years but faces criticism  for lack of reforms.

Kashmiri women interact as they wait to cast their votes outside a polling station near Srinagar, India.
Kashmiri women interact as they wait to cast their votes outside a polling station near Srinagar, India.   (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
India's ruling Congress party leaders Rahul Gandhi, right, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wave to their supporters during an election rally earlier this week.
India's ruling Congress party leaders Rahul Gandhi, right, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wave to their supporters during an election rally earlier this week.   (AP Photo)
An Indian Para-military force soldier raises his cane to control the people standing in a queue to vote, in Calcutta.
An Indian Para-military force soldier raises his cane to control the people standing in a queue to vote, in Calcutta.   (AP Photo/Sucheta Das)
An elderly woman holding her voter card walks towards a polling station to cast her vote in Calcutta.
An elderly woman holding her voter card walks towards a polling station to cast her vote in Calcutta.   (AP Photo/Sucheta Das)
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Results expected this weekend
Associated Press

Kashmiris cynical about vote
Christian Science Monitor

A rundown of the exit polls
Times of India (India)

Competitors rush to spin results
Hindustan Times

 
India • general election • Congress Party • Indian elections • Indian Parliament

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